Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry will request, from the cabinet at its mobile meeting in the southern province of Krabi on November 15th and 16th, a special budget of more than 100 million baht to have Thai-born K-Pop rap idol, Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, of “BLACKPINK”, and Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli appear during Thailand’s New Year countdowns.
Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said today (Monday) that the 100 million baht is just the cost of the appearances of the two stars, adding that he expects more details of the appearance contracts to be available on October 30th.
He insisted that the project is worth the investment, estimated at about 200 million baht in total, adding that it will help to boost the economy and the flagging tourism sector.
Earlier reports said that Lisa would appear at the New Year countdown in Phuket, while Andrea Bocelli will appear at a concert to be held at Sanam Luang, but latest reports suggest there may be a change to the program.
Criticism persists on social media, however, questioning the value of the huge investment in the events and expressing concern over the ongoing surge in COVID-19 infections.
